Fr Murphy (52) said he is “doing okay” after being stabbed up to five times outside barracksBoy (17) arrested in relation to attackDefence Forces personnel had to wrestle suspect to groundWarning shots fired in air by soldiers to prevent suspect from further injuring chaplain
The 52-year-old priest Fr Paul F Murphy suffered a number of serious but non-life threatening injuries to his arms in the incident, which happened outside Renmore Barracks just before 11pm last night. Speaking from hospital, where he is recovering, Fr Murphy said he is “awaiting surgery” and reassured his parish and friends that he was okay.
A 16-year-old Irish teen has been arrested in relation to the attack and he is currently being questioned at a garda station in Galway. His period of detection has recently been extended.
Gardaí are investigating if the teenager allegedly made comments at the scene of the stabbing about Irish military involvement in the Middle East before he was brought away by gardaí.
Gardaí say the Special Detective Unit is involved in the investigation and one line of enquiry is to establish if the attack had a terrorism motivation.
Members of the Defence Forces fired a number of warning shots in an attempt to prevent the teenage suspect from further injuring the chaplain last night.
“Appropriate force protection measures were used in this incident”, a source told the Irish Independent.
A number of single shots were fired in the air before up to three Defence Forces personnel managed to wrestle the suspect to the ground and detain him before the gardai’s Armed Support Unit arrived at the scene a short time.
Sources said that gardaí are not looking for anyone else for the incident.
Fr Paul F Murphy
The injured chaplain has worked for the Irish Defence Forces for decades and has served on a number of overseas missions.
In a statement on social media, the Fr Murphy said: “Friends, thank you for your prayers, love, and concern. Sorry that I can’t reply to all messages and take all the calls coming my way. I’m doing okay; just awaiting surgery. All will be well.”
The injured chaplain has worked for the Irish Defence Forces for decades and has served on a number of overseas missions.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – August 16th
The attack has caused “huge shock” according to army sources as the chaplain is “very highly regarded and well known” within the organisation.
In a statement, Tánaiste Micheál Martin condemned the attack.
“I condemn the violent attack at Renmore Barracks last night,” the Fianna Fáil leader said on X.
“I commend the members of the Defence Forces on duty at the time, whose intervention was critical.
“Our thoughts are with the Defence Forces member injured in the attack,” he added.
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Bishop of Galway Michael Duignan said: “News of the assault on a Catholic priest, who is presently serving as Chaplain to the Irish Defence Forces in Galway, is deeply shocking and upsetting.
“I pray for the injured man, asking God that he would make a full recovery. I pray too for his family, for his army colleagues and for the medical personnel who are tending to his injuries at this time.”
Gardaí issued a statement about the incident this morning.
“Gardaí are investigating an assault which occurred at Renmore Army Barracks in Galway on Thursday, 15th August 2024.
“Gardaí, including members of the Garda Armed Support Unit, responded to the incident at approximately 10.45pm.
“A man (50s) received a number of stab wounds during the incident. He was taken to University Hospital Galway for treatment of injuries that are serious but not life-threatening.
“A male youth (teens) was restrained by members of the Defence Forces and arrested by Gardaí at the scene.
The male youth is currently detained at a Garda Station in the North Western Region.
“The scene is currently preserved and a technical examination will be carried out today by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.
“Investigations ongoing,” a spokesman said.
More to follow…
